I will never look at art the same way again. Janea Williams, Dallas, Texas

My eyes were thrilled with what they saw today. Third grader at Edmondson Elementary, Loveland, Colorado

Look for more praise on the Author Visit page.

Horses In Art Magazine review of How the West Was Drawn: Frederic Remington's Art.

“Art appreciation” tends to be a phrase that drives people away from formal art, but Linda L. Osmundson’s book, How the West Was Drawn: Frederic Remington’s Art, will delight horse-crazy girls and boys ages 6+ into thinking about art, talking about art, and galloping alongside you through your local museum’s doors. A docent and teacher as well as an author, Osmundson deftly unfurls 13 of Remington’s most fascinating horse-themed paintings and sculptures, tells irresistibly interesting true stories about Remington and each work, and peppers the pages with questions that invite the child into each piece to imagine and explore. Sure, that sounds like art appreciation, but kids – and adults – will just call it fun. The second book in the How the West Was Drawn series, Frederic Remington’s Art is an excellent addition to any child’s or classroom bookshelf."

Media info:

When researchers want to know what the real American West looked like before settlers moved in and changed it forever, they turn to the art of Charles Russell and Frederic Remington. Although written for children ages 7-12, people say it is for ages 7-107. Questions encourage readers to see things the casual viewer misses. Short text for each picture includes interesting tidbits, such as, Russell painted one picture on cardboard he found between layers of crackers or Remington gave a brave a woman's knife.

Readers take away tools to help them look at art in the future.

Adults purchase the book as a coffee table book because of the quality of the 13 photo reproductions in each book.

Linda Osmundson is available for interviews as well as author visits for schools, book clubs, organizations, and more. Her interactive PowerPoint presentation involves everyone. Contact her atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SHORT BIO

A former elementary school teacher, Linda Osmundson's many articles have appeared in art, children, parent, Senior, teacher, religious, and travel magazines as well as newspapers, Chicken Soup for the Soul and Family Circle. A docent in four major art museums (Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver and Seattle) and two galleries (Hearst Gallery on Campus of St. Mary's College, Moraga, CA and Loveland Museum/Gallery, Loveland, CO), she led hundreds of tours for both children and adults. Osmundson belongs to The Colorado Author's League, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Women Writing the West and Western Writers of America. She teaches writing classes and presents art appreciation programs. For more information look under About Linda on this website.

FAQs

Q. Why did you become a writer?

I've had an interest in writing since high school, but, life got in the way - teaching, marriage, three sons, job transfers, crafts, volunteering for many organizations and museums. Once we became empty-nesters, I needed another challenge to make me feel worthwhile after being a stay-at-home mom. I told my husband I wanted to take a writing class through the Institute of Children's Writers. He asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I always wanted to be a writer and have now fulfilled that desire. My sons and grandchildren give me plenty of article/book ideas

Q: Why did you write about Charles Russell and Frederic Remington for kids?

Schools haven't the time or money to tour museums so I decided to bring a tour to them. I have given hundreds of tours at four art museums (Phoenix Art Museum, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Denver Art Museum, Seattle Art Museum) and two galleries (Hearst Gallery, St. Mary's College, Moraga, CA and Loveland Museum/Gallery, Loveland, Colorado) since 1983. My husband and I started collecting Russell prints after meeting Frederic Renner, the foremost authority on Russell at the time. We own a copy of a Remington sculpture. I couldn't think of a better way to help teachers incorporate art into their core curricula than looking at western art and history.

Q: How much research did you do before you wrote the book?

I've read many books on both artists over a period of many years. I studied their works in all the museums where I volunteered or visited.

Q: How did you choose a publisher?

I submitted versions of the book to several publishers, bigger publishers. In checking for comparable works in the marketplace, a biography for Russell showed up in February, 2010, by Pelican Publishing. I was totally frustrated. I'd worked about a year and a half on the first book and there was my idea in print except for the art part. My critique group suggested I cut the biography and stick to the art appreciation, then send it to Pelican and suggest it be a companion book for their new release. They bought it as well as a second book and show interest in the third on women who painted the west.

Q: How long have you been writing?

I've been writing seriously for since 1990. I had a puzzle published in a children's magazine before that time. In fact, I recently received a second payment because the publication used the same puzzle again.

Q. What book are you working on now?

Now I'm researching women painters of the west. Because women were not readily accepted as painters, or even authors, it is hard to find adequate information on women artists. However, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has a collection of women artists. The art curator, Sally King, has been most helpful.

Q: Have you written other books?

I have about five other books I've written but not found publisher homes as yet. Some are picture books and others are middle grade novels or chapter books.

Q. What is your greatest writing achievement?

My greatest writing achievement was my first children's book. When UPS delivered my 250 copies with my name on the cover, I, at the age of 72, broke into tears.

For an autographed copy of HOW THE WEST WAS DRAWN: COWBOY CHARLIE'S ART, FREDERIC REMINGTON'S ART and/or WOMEN'S ART, emailand include your name and address. Cost is $16 a book plus $2.00 postage for a total of $18.